Sending thank you notes is usually a kid's least favorite part of Christmas, but it's a necessary one. The folks who bestowed these new treasures upon your children spent a lot of time and effort on choosing the right gifts and deserve a little note of appreciation. It lets them know that your child … [Read more...]
8 Helpful Tips fpr Hosting Kids During the Holidays
If you're hosting any holiday parties, dinners or are having overnight guests, there's a lot of work involved in all that holiday cheer: Cleaning. Cooking. Baking. And that's just in regards to the adults. When your guests bring their kids, it adds a whole new layer of careful planning, especially … [Read more...]
Five Basic Elements for a Perfect Father’s Day
Father's Day is this Sunday, so if you're not prepared, it's coming down to the wire. Don't get nervous about making it perfect, dads are awesome because they're men. They don't get wrapped up in the frills and flowers that we moms do. Dads find the simpler things to be more luxurious and very few … [Read more...]
Easter Basket Fillers That Aren’t Made of Sugar
Children look forward to Easter baskets filled with all sorts of goodies from jelly beans to brightly wrapped chocolate eggs. While this is common Easter basket fare, the bottom line is a whole mess of unhealthy treats. Rather than filling a basket to the brim with sweets, why not add some fun extras … [Read more...]
Jessi Rewrites Irish Folklore
This morning, as I was getting my son ready for school, I rummaged around for the perfect green outfit. I remembered all the times I forgot to wear green and, by day's end, had been pinched so many times that I had bruises. I don't want the same fate for my little guy, so I told him that he always … [Read more...]
Enjoy the New Year: Set Family Goals for 2011
When you think about New Year’s resolutions, you probably think about the usual weight loss and saving money, but have you ever set goals for your clan? Are there things you’d like to do as a family next year? Instead of setting individual goals this year, try making plans as a family. Setting … [Read more...]
What’s in a Name: Santa Titles From Around the Globe
Americans love Santa Claus, but we’re not the only culture that enjoys the jolly man. All over the world, there are versions of St. Nick, just with different names. The names may be different, but the spirit behind the figure is the same. Love and giving are Santa’s hallmarks, no matter where he … [Read more...]
A Holiday Tradition: Christmas Jammies and Cocoa
Christmas is hectic for my family. We’re so busy traveling from one family to another that it’s hard to find time to enjoy our own, personal family traditions. On Christmas Eve, we arrive early at my parents’ house and unwrap gifts. This may not seem like a time-consuming event, but when you … [Read more...]
Holiday Treats: How to Make Graham Cracker Cottages
I’ve always loved gingerbread houses. They’re fun, festive and delicious. And really, who doesn’t like to decorate for the holidays with sugary snacks? Last year, I bought a gingerbread house kit for about $20 and was disappointed to find that one of the “walls” was busted beyond repair and … [Read more...]












